WR3 SC2 at IPL5: MC vs. Symbol Recap

MC opens up with a forge expansion going for an early stargate, whereas Symbol goes for an economical build with three hatcheries and double evolution chambers to combat any void rays. MC harasses Symbol with a void ray and four phoenixes. Symbol attmepts to ward off the air force with his queens but ends up losing them all.

However, MC loses his lead with poor reaction time as Symbol takes out his zealots with a stream of zerglings. In a surprising move, Symbol uses his excess gas to create mutalisks. However, the risk does not pay off as the phoenixes rip through the mutalisk count.

MC moves forward with his massive army of zealots, stalkeres, and colossi to hit a timing attack. Symbol counters with his zerglings and takes out probes at MC's third. MC is over-aggressive and does not have enough to combat Symbol's forces because he warped units back home to take care of the zerglings. MC is forced to gg.

Game 2 on Ohana

Symbol bypasses gas. MC opens standard with Nexus first. Symbol drops a third hatchery before mining gas. MC going early stargate again, uses phoenix to harass and take map control by killing Symbol's overlords. MC does a surprising move by dropping six gateways and researches charge. Symbol stays calm and does not overreact to the phoenixes or warp gates. Roach infestors vs. gateway units and templar.

Symbol pushes aggressively into MC's third with his roaches as MC counters with a zealot warp-in. The attack prompts Symbol to build brood lords and corruptors as he gains a strong economic advantage with additional hatcheries. MC, now fighting from behind, goes for a mothership in hopes of dropping a game-changing vortex on Symbol's brood lords. A big battle goes into Symbol's favor as he hits well-timed transfuses and wipes out MC's forces. Symbol sweeps MC 2-0 and moves on to face IPL4 champion aLive.

Match Score: Symbol 2-0 MC

To catch all of the SC2 action of IPL5 Day One, check out the live stream, or follow our official twitter @IGNProLeague.